CAMP PENDLETON MARINE SERGEANT SITS WITH FIRST LADY

Vista resident feted for her role in Afghanistan

Camp Pendleton Marine Sgt. Sheena Adams says sitting with first lady Michelle Obama at Tuesday’s State of the Union address was a tribute to the contributions of all female troops in Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

“It’s a huge honor,” the 27-year-old Vista resident said. “It’s nice to be recognized for what I have done.”

Two years ago, Adams served a tour of duty in Musa Qalah, Afghanistan, where her job as a member of a Female Engagement Team was to connect with Afghan women and gather information that might help them win over the locals or fight the insurgency.

Her service attracted the attention of Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, during a visit to Camp Pendleton last year, leading to last night’s invitation.

Adams supports the Pentagon’s recent announcement to allow women to serve in combat, a role that thousands have performed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Adams said she was in six firefights and one roadside bombing during her time in Afghanistan.

When she was shot at, she fired back. And when the vehicle she was riding in triggered a 60-pound bomb, she helped pull the wounded gunner out of the truck.

“We’re Marines just like everyone else,” she said in an interview last year. “If we’re getting shot at, I have to protect the Marine next to me.”

Before the speech, Adams said she looked forward to hearing Obama’s remarks about women in combat.

“I’ve been there,” she said.

Later the president told the nation: “We will draw upon the courage and skills of our sisters and daughters and moms, because women have proven under fire that they are ready for combat.”

Also in the House gallery were the San Diego parents of a teenager killed in a 1994 drive-by shooting.

Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego, hosted Rosetta and Willie Earl Jones whose son, Willie James Jones, was shot and killed in southeast San Diego soon after he had graduated high school as valedictorian.